September 7 - September 10

  D.C. Everest Senior High School Staff Update

Weekly Happenings

Thank you for a great week!  The first weeks of inservice, two open houses, sophomore transition, and welcoming students back takes a lot of effort by everyone - Thank you for making it happen!  A special thank you to Jo Bailey for coordinating the Amazing Race!

A few pictures from the week below courtesy of Anne and Audrey:

Interesting Information

The following reflection was shared with me by one of our colleagues over the last week.  It was submitted to ASCD's Educational Leadership as a response to the prompt "In less than 200 words, how do you reengage the unmotivated or apathetic learner?"  As we move into a new year - we all can work on continued reflection and personal growth.

    Engaging all learners, especially the unmotivated or apathetic, is at the heart of teaching. Whether learning is in-person, virtual, hybrid, or something else, engagement is built upon the 3 R’s: relationships, relevance, and reflection. Relationships are at the center of learning because learning requires trust. Students who do not trust will not engage. To learn, students need to trust me and one another. Therefore, relationship-building must be ongoing, not merely a first day activity, and embedded in all aspects of the class experience. Relevance is next. Learning occurs when experiences matter to students. Think about sixteen-year-old drivers; when learning matters, learners intrinsically engage because they want to know, do, and understand. Providing relevant learning opportunities may mean rethinking all aspects of instruction, and while painful, it is necessary. Finally, reflection is important. Reflection deepens understanding, informs future endeavors, reveals growth, and provides closure, allowing a natural progression to the next step. Additionally, when a student is disengaged, reflection can provide a doorway back into learning. So, ask students to reflect often. When I sense that engagement is missing, I return to the 3 R’s to reframe and reset, so students can reengage.

Announcements/Week Ahead

Advisory - This week's advisory video will be shared with you on Wednesday morning.  During advisory on Wednesday, play the video, participate in the activity and engage students in any questions they may have.  

Soft Release - We have decided to allow teachers to still use soft release at the end of the period. Please do not release sooner than five minutes from the scheduled bell.  This is especially important during lunch hours.  The soft release is intended to limit traffic flow in the hallways, however if we release too early we have students creating noise outside their next class and distracting from that learning.

ELT clarification - We are currently expecting students to check in before being released for the day to begin ELT. If you have a student who is a Youth Apprentice, an Intern or has 10th hour study hall release, feel free to make a deal with them that they do not have to check in for ELT if they stay up on their work and responsibilities.

Yearbook Pictures Last Chance - Faculty are asked to get their picture taken on Wednesday, 9/8 if you haven't done so already for the yearbook.  Payne Photography will be here from 7-10 a.m. only.

Clubs/Activities Day - On September 14/16 we are hosting our Sophomore club/activity day where Sophomores will be scheduled to walk around the Gym and talk with students in varying clubs.  Club/activity advisers please fill out this form if your club is going to be represented.

All Staff Fall 2021 Pay & Benefit Meeting - There will be a 2021 Fall Pay and Benefits Meeting here at the high school auditorium on Tuesday, October 5th at 2:50 p.m.  All staff are invited to the building.  If this is before or after your normal working hours, please submit it on your timesheet so you get paid.  If you are unable to attend this meeting at the senior high, there will be a make-up meeting at the new Administration Building on October 26 at 3:15 p.m.  You will learn about DCE's current and future states of pay and benefits.  There will be a short presentation and time for questions regarding benefit changes starting January 1, 2022.

Pepsi Machine in the Teacher's Lounge has now been filled with new product.  Where can you go to buy a can of soda for 60 cents.  Thank you to Kathy Lee and a few of their students for taking care of this.

Important Dates

September:

6      Labor Day Holiday

8      Picture Day last chance, 7-10am

8      BLT Meeting, 3rd Floor Conference Rm 369, 2:50pm

11    Junior Prom (Current Seniors)

14    Clubs/Activities Day for Sophomores during ELT 

15    School Board Meeting

16    Clubs/Activities Day for Sophomores during ELT 

17    3rd Friday Count during period 2

Upcoming Field Trips 

*NO additional field trips on -

• 3rd Friday Count (9/17/21)
• 2nd Friday Count (1/14/22)
• JH Adventure Day??